Umbrella



Nov. 2o, 192s. 1,692,461

F. B. MCKINNEY UMBRELLA Filed April 6. 1928 u WITNESSES INVENTQR /mf/Mw Patented Nov. 20, 1928.

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FRANCIS B. MCKINN EY, OIFIPITTSBUBGH,

ENNsYLvANrA, Assreiion To ann PARELLA VANIA.

UMBRELLA.

Appiica-uon aies Api-r. e,

The invention relates to temporary oi emergency umbrellas, of the type which. are

adapted to-be sold for a. small sum, or which are to be given away by merchants and other business people for advertising or other purioses. I The obj ects of the invention are to provide an umbrella of the class referred to which is of lthe simplest possible construction and which entirelydispenseswith the ribs, auxy iliary handle and other additionalparts of the ordinary umbrella structure; which can be manufactured easily and at loir cost from a minimum ofinexpensive material, is easily shippedand requires a minimum of storage space, is suiiiciently rigid for itsintended purpose, isV easily put in condition for use, and which is highly efficient as anV emergency substitute for `the lusual umbrella.

In its simplest and preferred form the umbrella according to the invention consists of a unitary structure made from a sheet-of a self form-sustaining, suiiiciently Waterproof material, which is provided ywith adjacently disposed, substantially straight lines of weakness extending inwardly from the edge of the sheet and intersecting at a material distance from the edge. When the umbrella is to be used, the material between the lines of weakness is folded in, causing the sheet to assume a conical form, and the inturned folded material provides a gripping member which, when held together, maintains the sheet in its conical or umbrella-like form.

The preferred embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which Fig. l is a plan View of a sheet of material as prepared and before bending; Fig. 2 is a front elevational view of the sheet shown in Fig. l partly formed into the umbrella; Figs. 3 and 4: are front and side views respectively showing' the completed umbrella ready for use; and Fig. 5 is a plan view of a modified sheet, before bending.

Referring to Fig. 1, a sheet 1, of a flexible material possessing the necessary rigidity toV make it self form-sustaining when shaped, Without necessitating the use of any reinforcement, and sufliciently Water-proof, such as a calendered or paraliined cardboard, is scored or otherwise provided with substantially straight lines of Weakness 2 and 3. As shown in the drawing, these lines of Weakness are 1928. sensi yne eef/,951.

adjacent to .cach other,1and theyy extend from `the edge of the sheet to a within the sheet, in this caseoi' the circular sheet shown. Freier-ably the sheets aretransported and storcdin this condition, as they are then easier to pack and'liaiidie.- When the umbrella is. to be used, the material included in thesegment bounded by the lines 0 and 3 is bent inwardly, the first to the centery stage being shown in Fig. 2. As the bending continues, the lines 2 and 3 approach each other, andthe sheet assumes as eonical'ibi'in.

.This ojeration results in the vconical um-V vbiella-like shape shin-,vn in Figs. 3 and et, and the completely folded mat( ial provides a gripping'member el.. rlihis member is graspedin the hand, and provides a liandlofor sup'- porting the umbrella, and, by holding the fold tightly, the umbrellais maintainedin itsconical form.

It will usually be desirable vto provide a third line of Weakness; 5 in order to assist in the folding operation. In this case, the line of Weakness 5 Will be formed on one surface and lines 2 and 3 on the opposite surface, and it will generally be desirable to so dispose line 5 that lines 2 and 3 are equi-distant rfrom it.

Although circular sheets are preferably used, the invention isequally applicable to other configurations such asa square sheet 6, Fig. 5, Which is provided withV lines of Weakness, as in the preceding embodiment. Although I prefer to form lthe lines of Weakness to intersect at the center of the sheet, Athis tion to be folded, the slots being disposed to register When the fold is made. .They thus provide an opening through which some or all of holding the umbrella.

of the ngers may be passed, for greater ease point materially f The umbrella according to the invention can be madevery inexpensively inasmuch as the only material required is a sheet of suitable material, it can be mede in a single operar tion, and no supplementary strengthening or 'handle membersare necessary, thus eliminating the cost of producing those parts and assembling them. rillie umbrella vthus provided is easy t0 operate and is efiicient in action, and from sustantially all standpoints it` is incre satisfactory for its purpose than other forms ot' emergency umbrellas heretofore produced. 1

The umbrella provided by the invention especially suitable for distribution to pen sons congregate-l eutdcors9 as at fairs, races,

athletic events, or other gatlierings7 to sup# ply adequate protection against sudden or unexpected inclement ii'eather. here desired7 tlieyniay be scld 'tor a small suni. However, by printing adicrtising matter on the umbrellam. they provide an excellent and very inexpensive publicity medium iler free i distribution. Y

According to the provisions of the patent statutes, l have explainedithe principle andA mede o' operation ef my invention, and have illustrated and described what I now conw Sider te be its beat einbodi nente. However, l desire to have it understood that, within the scope ot the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described.`

l claim: Y

' l. An emergency umbrella consisting of a sheet of self term-sustaining material pr0- vided with adj aceiitly-disposed straight lines oi weakness extending from the edge to a point materially within the sheet, the portion inea/Lei oit the sheet between said lines or" weakness being turned inwardly to'torin a gripping member which when engaged maintains the sheet in conical term.

`i'acently-disposed lines ofweakness, andi on the other surface with athird line ot wealness lspaced equi-distant between the firstnained linesV er" weakness, all' of saidA lines owe'alrness extending from the edge to a point materially witliinthcfslieet, the portion of the sheet between the .cuter two lines ofweakness being turned inwardly and folded along the Vcentral lineof weakness te torni a gripping member which when engaged maintains the sheet in conical i'orin. Y l

ln testimony whereof, Il sign mynanie.

reinicies'.` Mortimer. 

